IOWA CITY, Iowa -- There will be no cake -- just rest -- for Cole Fisher on his 22nd birthday Tuesday.

And it certainly tops last year when the Hawkeyes practiced twice on the linebacker's birthday.

"I'm used to it every year," Fisher said following Tuesday's practice inside Kinnick Stadium. "I haven't had a real birthday in three or four years. That's part of it now."

For Fisher, a 6-foot-2, 233-pound junior from Omaha, the best gift was an opportunity to scrimmage inside Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes held full contact drills in the morning, then took a team photo in the afternoon.

"Last year at this time it was a two-a-day, so that was kind of the raw end of the deal,
Fisher said. "This was a nice present."

Fisher, a weakside linebacker, had an assisted tackle last season during a 24-21 win against Michigan. The Hawkeyes finished the season 8-5 and participated in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1. Fisher is getting significant reps this camp and expects to be a key contributor on special teams.

"I'll have a role on special teams for sure. It's too early to tell whether or not on the defense -- it's still early in camp so we're still competing," Fisher said. "I hope to be contributing to the defense as well. It has been a good competition for all the guys. You have to make sure you take advantage of your opportunities."